Letters | One Asian supermarket chain has set a target for cutting single-use plastic: pity it’s not from Hong Kong
Lotte Mart, one of the largest supermarket chains in South Korea, announced last week that it planned to cut its single-use plastic usage to 50 per cent by 2025. It is the first supermarket chain in Asia to set such a concrete goal.
The supermarket also announced that it would implement new eco-friendly packaging guidelines for its private brands and roll out measures to achieve its goal of “zero plastic bags”.
Lotte’s aspiration to go plastic-free contrasts with the trend over the past five months, as an increasing amount of plastic packaging has been used in the name of hygiene. While Covid-19 is a global crisis that is still unfolding, plastic pollution is a long-term problem for humankind.
Plastic packaging accounts for 26 per cent – the largest share – of overall plastic production. Hence, it is sensible for the retail industry to offer a long-term and comprehensive plastic reduction plan.
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Lotte’s announcement should inspire its counterparts, showing it is possible to make long-term plastic reduction plans even under challenging social conditions. By announcing its plan for the next few years, Lotte is setting an example other retailers in the region could follow. With the South Korean chain taking the first big step forward, it would be easier for others to also go the plastic-free route.
